Cruising the Marne-Rhine Canal

Adored by boating tours, the Marne-Rhine Canal, also known as the Greenway, crosses the plain of Alsace and the Vosges. Linking Strasbourg and Saverne at the entryway to Alsace at the foot of the Vosges Mountains, the canal continues through a grand forest to Lutzelbourg in the Moselle region. On your 7-day cruise, view the spectacular architecture and structural works of this beautiful corner of France. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane (the only one in Europe), where boats are hoisted along the cliff before reaching Xouaxange, a small town in the Moselle. The MS Madeleine brings you to explore these charming cities and waterways as you cruise from Strasbourg and back again.

Day 2 Strasbourg to Waltenheim

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board the ship as you sail to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. Cross the Zorn Valley's landscaped fields, where the canal is wide and straight, then on to the Brumath Forest before reaching Waltenheim-sur-Zorn around 3:00 pm. In the afternoon, disembark the ship to explore the hops footpath in Wingersheim. Alsace offers an attractive and unusual landscape. A province of wine-growing and beer-brewing, gain a new perspective on the region as you learn about growing hops. Enjoy a pleasurable walk through the hop fields and attend a beer tasting before rejoining the ship for dinner.

Day 3 Waltenheim to Saverne

In the morning, cruise from Waltenheim to Saverne. Pass by the towns of Schwindratzheim, which is nestled on a hillside, and Hochfelden, a typical village of the area. In the morning, stroll along or bike on the paved trails along the canal. Arrive at Saverne in the afternoon, where the boat moors in front of Rohan Castle. Enjoy some free time in Saverne. You might visit Château de Hohbarr, nicknamed "The Eye of Alsace," for splendid views of the Alsatian plains.

Day 4 Saverne to Lutzelbourg

Take a guided tour of Saverne in the morning. Virtually unknown from the usual tourist routes, Saverne offers a wide range of places to discover. Visit the Grand Rue with its unicorn fountain (the symbol of the city); the Katz house, adorned with magnificent carved timbers; Notre Dame Church with its 12th-century steeple; various 18th-century administrative buildings; or the Récollets Monastery, founded in the 14th century. Reboard the ship for lunch and sail towards Lutzelbourg. The canal winds through the Vosges Mountains before joining the Lorraine region. In the afternoon, arrive in Lutzelbourg, which deserves its reputation as the most beautiful village on the French canal banks. Walk to Lutzelbourg Castle and admire the Zorn Valley from its towers.

Day 5 Lutzelbourg to Xouaxange

Enjoy a buffet breakfast on board as you sail for the Arzviller inclined plane. Stop at the crystal glassworks near the plane and visit this family-run business. Specializing in the art of cutting crystal, encounter this old-time tradition and watch crystal blowing and cutting demonstrations. Return to the ship and eat lunch by candlelight while passing through the Arzviller and Niderviller Tunnels. Continue on to Xouaxange and arrive in the evening.

Day 6 Xouanange to Lagarde

After a buffet breakfast, cruise through Xouaxange to Lagarde. Sail through Réchicourt locks, one of the largest in France, then journey onward through the lakes. In the afternoon, visit Sarrebourg and Chagall trail. Located at the foot of the Vosges and the region of Alsace, the city is rich with diversity. Its historical and cultural heritage is full of unexpected treasures, such as Marc Chagall’s unique stained-glass window — a virtual hymn to peace.

Day 7 Lagarde to Strasbourg

1 Breakfast

Enjoy one last breakfast onboard before disembarking at 9:00 AM. Transfer from the ship to Strasbourg and arrive in the late morning.

Notes

20% discount on children between 2-10 years
30% discount for 3rd person in triple cabin

Includes:
*All meals from dinner on Day One until buffet breakfast on day 7
*Mineral water, wine, beer and fruit juice only
*Tea or coffee after each meal
*Drinks consumed in the lounge bar (excluding Champagne and wines on the wine list)
*All mentioned excursions
*Transfer by coach from Lagarde to Strasbourg
*Welcome cocktail
*Gala evening
*Insurance covering emergency aid and repatriation
*All port taxes

Excludes:
*Drinks on the wine list as well as all drinks taken while on excursions or transfers
*Champagne ordered at the bar
*Cancellation and baggage insurance
*Personal expenses

We Love to Talk Travel

Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.